Hi. My washer drain keeps backing up and the pipe it drains to keeps building up with a black tar like substance. I've talked to several plumbers and rooter guys and keep hearing the standard answer that it goes with the territory. Recently, I tried to rooter it out myself, but the stuff is so thick that the cable reached a certain point and stopped.

Anyway, I guess my question is: Is there a product available that can dissolve this and open the pipes up to drain properly? I would appreciate any help. I'm getting really frustrated with this and I don't want to keep feeding the cash cow of plumbers and rooter guys just so they can come back six months later.

Thanks,

Rock

No miracle cleaner is going to remove this much crud. Most chemical cleaners, if they work at all, work by soaking in a clogged trap or low spot. Your pipes are coated so there won't be any real soaking action. It sounds like you don't trust or believe the plumbers but my guess is you need a professional rodding with a cutter haed that can scrape the pipes. Is there a clean out in the basement?

Excuse my ignorance, but I'm not sure if there is a clean out. Honestly, I don't know what that is. I appreciate your information. It appears that I may be getting honest answers from these guys. Like I said, it's just frustrating to have to go through this every 6 to 8 months or so. I'll contact a pro and let them know what I need. Thanks!

If anyone rods the main drain with a cutter it will not soon clog again. A clean out would look like a cap or plug on a Tee or wye fitting connected to your 4" drain pipe. Got one?